Now that’s a power move! Expected to bring in between £3 million and £5 million, Banksy’s new parody painting, Subject to Availability, offers a climate-conscious take on the image. The artwork features a different version of an 1890 oil painting by Albert Bierstadt, depicting Mount Rainier National Park. The artist added an asterisk with the note: “Subject to availability for a limited period only:”
“Banksy’s witty dialogue with the art historical canon brings the painting sharply into the current context of the global climate crisis,” says Katharine Arnold, co-head of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s, in an interview with Artnet News. “Ten years on from its creation,” she adds, “the idyllic park it depicts has already been closed to the public since February 2020 due to severe flooding and landslides.”
Subject to Availability is expected to bring in between £3 million and £5 million via Christie’s, though this was also the estimated value of the Monet piece before it was surpassed on the day. Just last month, the artist’s Game Changer — an artwork dedicated to NHS staff — exceeded estimates of £2.5 million to £3.5 million to sell for a staggering £14.4 million (or £16.7 million with fees).
Image via Dazed
Newest 3 Comments
That said, I don't think there's much anyone can do to effect real change via art, but we are all able to use the platforms we do have to at least provide social commentary on a given topic.
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)
I am not saying you're wrong, but his art isn't just for those who are able to buy it.
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)
Banksy virtue signals to sell overpriced, pretentious, virtue signally, art projects to people with too much disposable income. He's done it for years and years, and nothing has changed for the better. Change my mind. - That being said, I like some of his art. :)
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)